Proverbs 31

In Praise of a Wife of Noble Character

10 Who can find a wife of noble character?  * 31:10 Or a wife of quality, or a capable wife,* 31:10 Ru 3:11; Pr 12:4; 18:22; 19:14

She is far more precious than jewels.  * 31:10 Vv. 10–31 form an acrostic.

11 The heart of her husband trusts in her,

and he will not lack anything good.

12 She rewards him with good, not evil,

all the days of her life.

13 She selects wool and flax

and works with willing hands.

14 She is like the merchant ships,

bringing her food from far away.  * 31:14 1Kg 10:22

15 She rises while it is still night  * 31:15 Pr 20:13

and provides food for her household

and portions  * 31:15 Or tasks for her female servants.  * 31:15 Pr 27:27; Lk 12:42

16 She evaluates a field and buys it;

she plants a vineyard with her earnings.  * 31:16 Or vineyard by her own labors,* 31:16 Mt 21:33

17 She draws on her strength  * 31:17 Lit She wraps strength around her like a belt

and reveals that her arms are strong.  * 31:17 Pr 31:25

18 She sees that her profits are good,

and her lamp never goes out at night.  * 31:18 Mt 25:8

19 She extends her hands to the spinning staff,

and her hands hold the spindle.  * 31:19 Pr 31:13

20 Her hands reach  * 31:20 Lit Her hand reaches  out to the poor,

and she extends her hands to the needy.  * 31:20 Dt 15:11; Pr 22:9; 31:9; Rm 12:13; Eph 4:28